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Two years from now, in 2012, Arizona will begin its second century as a state. Our state is presently beset by tough times due to a world-wide economic meltdown. During these tough times, ordinary people will be expected to do extraordinary things. However, as we all know -Tough times never last -but tough people do!

Earlier this year The Arizona Republic published a series of articles, "Arizona 2020" that depicted some longstanding issues confronting our state. They proposed a "10-year journey to prosperity" if our leaders would think clearly and creatively. The articles offered suggestions to guide our decision making process from leaders across the state. The section on Government noted our state government was "saddled with a startling display of political dysfunction." Specifically, the article stated our state legislature was more polarized and divided along political party lines than the general public and "stuck" to the extent that: "You can almost hear the gears grind." The Republic called for a major overhaul of our state government.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/arizona2020/visiondex.html

In another recent report, The Arizona We Want by the Phoenix-based Center for the Future of Arizona, the results of a Gallup poll of our citizens showed that people are not at all satisfied with their elected leaders. The poll noted that only about 10 percent of Arizonans believe their elected officials are representing their interests. The report produced a citizens’ agenda that identifies specific issues we can all organize around to properly prepare for Arizona’s second century.

www.TheArizonaWeWant.org and/or www.ArizonaFuture.org

We believe that these reports can be used to develop a vision and a common purpose for state legislators to work more effectively with the people they represent.

Pat Carr recently returned from the campaign trail where he visited schools, chapter houses, tribal communities and agency offices. He met with veterans, senior citizens, disillusioned citizens and disengaged voters. Most of the people did not know the names of those representing them in Phoenix and/or how decisions by the Legislature impacted their lives. Our representatives have not been communicating with the people they represent in the most efficient and effective manner.

This sort of disconnect or failure to communicate in a democracy may be discouraging and disheartening for some, but for Pat Carr, it is merely another challenge. And it is a challenge, because of his experiences and familiarity with the district, that he is ready, willing and able to undertake.

To improve communications, between the citizens and their representatives, Pat Carr is proposing, in addition to his regular duties in the Legislature, the development of a telecommunication system that will use communication tools readily accessible throughout the district. Specifically, the system will contain a web site similar to the one you are now viewing. It will be supported with social networking links and two-way e-mail capabilities to exchange information between elected leaders and their constituents. Pat Carr will develop this system with other elected representatives in our district so we all can work together and represent the electorate more effectively. In addition, he will invite elected leaders from other districts to join in the effort and work across party lines for the common good of all in northern Arizona.

Building upon information provided in the Arizona 2020 series and the citizens’ agenda developed in The Arizona We Want Report, we can develop realistic plans and obtain constructive solutions by working together on critical issues. Accordingly, we will lay a strong foundation for the future of our people as Arizona enters its second century.

Others have seen what is and asked why.
I have seen what could be and asked why not.
-Robert Kennedy